BASF Launches Tinosorb S in the US After FDA Approval

BASF has announced the availability of Bemotrizinol (BEMT), marketed under its trademark Tinosorb® S, in the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Bemotrizinol as a sunscreen active ingredient.

The company said it is authorized to market and sell Bemotrizinol, also known as Tinosorb S, in the US under a Supplemental License Agreement with DSM Nutritional Products LLC. Through the agreement, BASF has received co-exclusive rights to market and sell the ingredient during the FDA’s 18-month exclusivity period. The authorization covers sunscreen products manufactured domestically as well as products imported into the United States.

Tinosorb S is a broad-spectrum UV filter designed to provide protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The ingredient is also known for its high photostability, which allows sunscreen formulations to maintain their protective performance when exposed to sunlight. In addition, Bemotrizinol can help improve the photostability of other UV filters, supporting the development of long-lasting and high-performance sun-care formulations.

The US launch strengthens BASF’s position in the global sun-care ingredients market. The company already offers a broad portfolio of UV filters through its Tinosorb, Uvinul®, and Z-COTE® product families. Its portfolio also includes formulation ingredients such as emollients, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers, film formers, and active ingredients.

By combining UV filters with formulation technologies, BASF aims to support sunscreen manufacturers and formulators throughout the product-development process. This integrated portfolio can help customers develop products that offer broad-spectrum protection, desirable sensory properties, long-lasting performance, and sustainability-oriented solutions.

The FDA approval creates a new commercial opportunity for Bemotrizinol in the US sunscreen market, where manufacturers can now incorporate the ingredient into eligible formulations. BASF expects to collaborate with sunscreen manufacturers, brand owners, and formulators to introduce new sun-protection products that address rising consumer demand for effective and reliable UV protection.

The US availability of Tinosorb S also expands the options available to formulators seeking advanced UV-filter technologies. With consumers increasingly focused on broad-spectrum protection and product performance, the ingredient could support innovation across sunscreen and personal-care formulations.

Tinosorb® S, Uvinul®, and Z-COTE® are registered trademarks of BASF SE.

Impact on Product & Chemical Commodity Prices

BASF’s US launch of Tinosorb S is likely to have a positive impact on demand for Bemotrizinol and related sunscreen formulation chemicals as manufacturers gain access to an FDA-approved UV filter. Increased formulation activity could support demand for specialty chemicals, emollients, emulsifiers, film formers, and rheology modifiers used in sun-care products. However, the initial price impact on these commodities is expected to remain limited to mildly bullish, as supply availability and the 18-month exclusivity period could influence market dynamics. Higher sunscreen production and new product launches may gradually strengthen consumption of specialty UV-filter chemicals, potentially supporting prices, while broader commodity supply-demand conditions will remain the key price determinant.